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Cameroon's Minister of the Interior Paul Atanga Nji has announced that political opponent Tchiroma Bakary will be prosecuted over claims that he instigated "aggressive post-election demonstrations".

A minimum of 4 demonstrators have been lost their lives during clashes between security forces and protesters since Cameroon's election on 12 October, with President Paul Biya, aged 92 securing an eighth consecutive term.

The opposition leader maintains that he was the true winner, a claim disputed by the governing party, the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM).

Violent crackdowns by law enforcement on demonstrators have alarmed the world leaders, with the UN, AU and EU demanding caution.

Official's Accusations

Earlier this week, the interior minister charged Tchiroma Bakary of planning what he referred to as "illegal" rallies causing the deaths, and also condemned him for declaring victory in the presidential race.

He added that Tchiroma Bakary's "associates behind an rebellious scheme" will also be prosecuted.

Election Results

Cameroon's leader, who took control in the early 80s and is now the most elderly national leader, obtained the 12 October vote with a majority of the votes, compared to a significant minority for his opponent, according to the electoral authority.

Leader's Stance

Issa Tchiroma is has not yet commented to the government's decision to bring him to court, but he had previously announced that he rejected a fraudulent outcome - and that he was undaunted of being taken into custody.

Following the vote count, he claimed that security forces shot on protesters assembled near his house in the city of Garoua, causing the death of at least two civilians.

Inquiry Launched

Earlier this week, the interior minister disclosed that an investigation would be initiated into violent incidents surrounding the publication of the vote outcome.

"Throughout the violence, some of the individuals involved were killed," he stated, without providing a precise figure of protesters who have been fatally injured in the clashes.

The minister added that multiple officers of the security forces also suffered major harm.

Ongoing Circumstances

While Nji asserted the condition across the country was now under control, protesters are still demonstrating in various areas of the country, especially in urban centers, where protesters set up barricades on that day, and set fire to tyres on the streets.

Observers alert that the election-related unrest could plunge the nation into a political crisis.